When will NBC learn that you don’t mess with a good thing? Parks and Recreation has finally hit its stride this season after stumbling out of the gate last year, mostly thanks to more emphasis on the strong supporting cast and less bumbling by the series star, Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope.
But according to the Los Angeles Times, the tweaking period isn’t over quite yet.
Co-creator Mike Schur confirmed to the publication that Paul Schneider, who plays Mark on the series, is leaving thanks to a combination of things: his character was apparently never supposed to be a permanent fixture on the show, and the actor is trying to focus on films.
When the series began, Schneider and Poehler played romantic love interests, something that evolved into friendship when Schneider’s character began dating Ann (Rashida Jones), Leslie’s best friend.
Of all the characters, Mark is the most grounded of the bunch, almost like a less charismatic Jim Halpert, of The Office fame. Granted, his storylines have been limited when compared to the other characters, but he does allow an excuse for Ann to hang around the department.
Not all is lost, however, thanks to the casting news that Rob Lowe and Adam Scott (Party Down) have joined the series. It was announced a few weeks ago that Lowe was leaving the ABC drama Brothers & Sisters to helm the new role, whereas Scott is still signed to Party Down.
Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays, 8:30 p.m., NBC/Citytv.
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